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JACI Highlights - May 2008
Prospective study of breastfeeing in relation to wheeze, atopy, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPA)
Leslie Elliott, MPH, PhD, John Henderson, MD, Kate Northstone, MSc, Grace Y. Chiu, PhD, David Dunson, PhD, Stephanie J. London, MD, DrPH
It is well known that breastfeeding enhances a newborn’s immunity and protects against wheezing associated with viral respiratory infections. However, there is still some debate about whether breastfeeding is involved in children later developing asthma or allergy. Some studies have even suggested that breastfeeding actually increases the risk in later childhood of asthma, wheeze, or allergic sensitivity to airborne allergens. In a study recently published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Elliott et al reported their findings on the relationship between children’s breastfeeding history and their later outcomes for asthma and allergy. The authors analyzed data from an extended study of more than 14,000 pregnant women in the United Kingdom and the babies born to them. They found that in breastfed children there was protection from wheeze in the first 3 years of life. Additionally, they found that at ages 7 and 8 years, these breastfed children showed no evidence of an increased risk for developing asthma, allergy or “twitchy” airways, even in children whose mothers are asthmatic. These results should provide reassurance to expectant mothers, including those who have allergies or asthma, that current public health guidelines encouraging breastfeeding can be followed without concern.
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